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Cluster of COVID-19 cases confirmed in Washington County

Published by admin on Wed, 05/13/2020 - 3:11pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 13, 2020

Cluster of COVID-19 cases confirmed in Washington County

WASHINGTON COUNTY, IDAHO – Southwest District Health (SWDH) has confirmed a cluster of COVID-19 cases in Washington County. Several of these individuals with confirmed COVID-19 are employed at Fry Foods, Inc. and are also close contacts outside of the workplace.

Southwest District Health staff is working closely with Fry Foods, Inc. The company has been and continues to be very responsive and is taking appropriate precautions to ensure the health and safety of the staff. “Fry Foods has closed their Weiser plant voluntarily. The plant will remain closed until the owners, director and Southwest District Health feel it is in the best interests of the plant’s employees and the community,” said Douglas Arnold Wold, Fry Foods, Inc. Human Resources Manager.

Epidemiologists have initiated contact investigations to identify the close contacts of the individuals with confirmed COVID-19 and notify them of their potential exposure. Individuals who do not receive a call from the health district have not been named as a close contact and do not have cause for elevated concern. As with any cluster of illness in the community, SWDH will continue to work closely to monitor and respond to any changes.

“It is still so important to keep taking precautions to protect yourselves and those around you. Please avoid social gatherings with those not in your immediate household, continue to practice physical distancing, stay home when you are sick, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often, and wear cloth face coverings when leaving your home,” said Nikole Zogg, Southwest District Health District Director.

Community members showing symptoms of mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing should call first before going to their medical provider’s office.

Residents who have questions may call the Southwest District Health COVID-19 call center at (208) 455-5411 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. COVID-19 case counts for the six-county region SWDH serves are available at https://phd3.idaho.gov/coronavirus and will be updated by 7 p.m. on weekdays unless otherwise noted. For Idaho information and guidance, please visit https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/